The Do’s and Dont’s of Scalp Health?

Whether you want to improve the look of your locks or are already experiencing problems like a flaky or itchy scalp, there are lots of thing you can do to boost the health of your head and hair.

How can your lifestyle affect your hair and scalp?

A good diet is essential for the health of your hair; there are three main ingredients you need. Eating plenty of foods like egg with help supply you with biotin, biotin improves your body’s keratin infrastructure. Selenium is another must have – you can get it from oily fish. Then finally zinc, from red and white meat. Not only will a healthy diet help your head and hair health, but sleeping well, keeping hydrated and trying to control stress.

Washing your hair will also help the health of your hair and scalp. Here are some tips when washing your hair –

• Gently massage your scalp when you shampoo.
• Don’t scrub your hair.
• Use a brush with round plastic prongs – don’t use a metal-pronged brush.

What can I do about hair loss?

Hair loss isn’t just genetic; certain hairstyles can have an effect on your hair. If you have long hair, when you tie up your hair make sure it’s tied back loosely. Tight hairstyles can place a lot of stress on your hair follicles. Initially, this can give you a sore scalp. However, long term traction can damage hair follicles, leading to a hair loss called ‘traction alopecia’.

Hair loss is also influenced by stress, stress hormones push hairs out of the growing phase into the resting phase – slowing regrowth to the point thinning hair is more obvious.

The best thing to do when you experience hair loss is to contact your local GP or a dermatologist to determine what the cause is, as there are many causes of hair loss.